Page 18 of Saving You Losing Me

“Dull.”

I shake my head and he rolls his eyes. “It is dull, but it’s my kind of dull. It’s good to be the one making decisions and not following others.”

“I can see that would be preferable.”

He leans back. “So, Clara. What do you do for fun around here?”

I consider my answer carefully. “Most of the guys belong to the country club. You know the kind of thing: golf, tennis, the pool.”

“And in the evening?”

His eyes twinkle and this time, I roll my eyes. “You may find it entertaining at the Rubens club. Most of the men belong there.”

“And the women?”

“The Carlton Club. It’s strictly same sex clubs for the wealthier in town.”

“And for the less wealthy.”

“Then you will want to check out Singles. It’s where the girls entertain for money, if you like that kind of thing.”

He shrugs. “Thanks for the tip, but the Rubens Club sounds more up my street. I’ll make enquiries about membership later today.”

He starts to eat his sandwich and I turn my attention to the usual salad mom always orders for me and yet it’s an easy silence that surprises me. He is nothing like I imagined and I’m sure he’ll soon settle into this town as if he’s always lived here.

Despite my reservations, lunch was fun and Michael turned out to be different from how I imagined. I’m sure he will fit in and be a hit with the locals. The girls I hang around with will form an orderly line to be with him and yet the fact we are here at all tells me mom believes that girl should be me.

But I’m not available. Not anymore and I doubt I would be interested even if I was. Michael is too smooth for me. Tooperfect in a polished way. A trust fund baby, like me, and used to getting what he wants and life handed to him on a plate. Atom, on the other hand, is a real man. He has vision and grit and will stop at nothing to get what he wants. He deserves more respect than the wealthy in this town because life has a habit of placing obstacles in the way of men like him, and he is the kind to toss them aside with effortless ease.

As we finish lunch and make to leave, I’m aware of our mom’s watching us with interest as Michael takes my hand and kisses it respectfully and smiles.

“I enjoyed meeting you, Clara. Perhaps you would be free tomorrow to show me around town. I could pick you up after breakfast. If you have time, that is.”

“She has time.” Mom interrupts before I can say no, and Rosa smiles.

“What a fantastic idea.”

To refuse would be rude and my heart sinks as I sense I’ve been out maneuvered and so I smile brightly. “Of course. Perhaps I can introduce you to my friends. I’ll arrange it.”

Mom appears satisfied with my answer, and I breathe an inward sigh of relief. The sooner I can divert Michael’s attention away from me and onto one of my willing friends, the better it will be for me.

CHAPTER 10

ATOM

Tanya rolls in during breakfast and looks like shit.

Her eyes are bright and vacant, and any makeup she was wearing when she left has long since departed.

Although she’s a few years older than me, she’s the most immature person I have ever met and when she registers the contempt on my face, she hisses, “Fuck you, Atom. You know shit.”

I say nothing and watch as she helps herself to coffee and sighs.

“I need sleep. Wake me after lunch.”

“Wake yourself. I’m heading out.”

“Oh, yes.” She rolls her eyes. “The big bad president of his little club is going out to play. You do realize you’re a joke around these parts, Atom.”

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